EXCLUSIVE: Obama Expects GOP Tax Cave — As the clock ticks toward a tax hike on all Americans in 20 days, President Obama predicted Republicans would join Democrats to extend current rates for 98 percent of earners before the end of the year. — “I'm pretty confident that Republicans …

The GOP's dangerous debt-ceiling gamble — The fiscal cliff negotiations have picked up again. Last week, President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner were hardly talking, and neither were their staffs. This week, Obama and Boehner are speaking often, and, perhaps more importantly, their staffs are speaking constantly.

Remembering Who You Are Dealing With — At TNR, Noam Scheiber objects to the widespread assumption that allowing a plunge over the “fiscal cliff” would be a tactical victory but a strategic defeat for Barack Obama. Yes, he concedes, there is some risk of economic repercussions …

Angry with Obama, GOP threatens political war next year — Washington (CNN) — They are losing the battle over higher taxes on the wealthy, so now Republicans are threatening a political war next year when it comes time to raise the nation's debt ceiling. — With cracks appearing …

TRENDING: Hoffa predicts ‘civil war’ in Michigan — (CNN) - Jimmy Hoffa, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said Tuesday he expects Michigan unions and lawmakers to break out into “civil war” after the state legislature passed right-to-work bills that would weaken unions' power.

First on CNN: Haley finalizes short list for DeMint seat — Washington (CNN) - South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has whittled down the list of people she is considering for Jim DeMint's soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat to five people, a Republican close to the governor told CNN on Tuesday.

Breitbart Folks Appear to Fake Violence in Lansing — When I saw this video-claiming that a “violent mob” destroyed the tent the Koch brothers had paid for in front of the Michigan Capitol-I knew right away it was likely a false flag. After all, Stranahan, James O'Keefe's buddy, first posted it.

McConnell highly unpopular — Mitch McConnell is the most unpopular Senator in the country. Only 37% of Kentucky voters approve of him to 55% disapprove. Both in terms of raw disapproval (55%) and net approval (-18) McConnell has the worst numbers of any of his peers, taking that mantle from Nebraska's Ben Nelson.

Obama recognizes Syrian opposition coalition — (CNN) — President Barack Obama on Tuesday recognized the leading Syrian opposition coalition as the legitimate representative of the country's people, marking a “big step” in U.S. engagement with the nearly two-year-old crisis.

Lesbian Wife Denied Membership To Military Spouses Group — Officer's wife excluded for lacking a military ID card. The Pentagon's nearly 15-month review on benefits changes after “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” now in the spotlight. — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta speaks at a news conference on Nov. 29, 2012, at the Pentagon.

3 dead in Oregon mall shooting — (CNN) — Panicked customers rushed to the exits when a gunman opened fire Tuesday at a mall outside Portland, Oregon. Some people huddled behind store counters and hid behind racks of clothing. The mall's Santa dropped to the ground.

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